(continued from above)
Well-known is the MX-5's single-hand-operation soft-top and segment-best
12-second Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) that the MX-5 Spyder is a
re-imagination of the roadster and features a sweeping, single-panel
grenadine-red soft-top made by Haartz Corporation. Its design, a collaborative
effort between MNAO Design and Magna Car Top Systems, offers an even lower slung
stance of the MX-5 without sacrificing headroom. Fitted onto the roadster's
already sleek body style, the MX-5 Spyder has been painted Stratosphere White
and features a Yokohama rubber-and-rims set of AO48 225/45 R17 performance tires
matched with 17-inch, 10-spoke ADVAN RS wheels in Gun Metal Metallic. But as the
adage goes, there is more than meets the eye.
Under the hood is where the vehicle's exterior treat matches wits with an
interior trick. Powered by Mazda's ever-dependable MZR 2.0-liter engine, the
MX-5 Spyder is fueled by BP's isobutanol. The significance? The biofuel supports
Mazda's mantra of "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom," which means crafting exciting,
fun-to-drive vehicles that create minimal environmental impact. A testament to
this philosophy is the Mazda/Dyson Racing entry in the American Le Mans Series.
The #16 LMP1Lola vehicle features a turbocharged MZR-R 2.0-liter four-cylinder
engine, runs on isobutanol and beat competing larger-block V-12s to win the
manufacturer, team and drivers championships for the 2011 racing season. Mazda
also was given the Michelin Green X Challenge at the Baltimore Grand Prix, a
distinction awarded to category cars that prove to be the "cleanest, fastest,
most efficient" in the race.
Although similar to how ethanol is produced from agricultural feedstock,
isobutanol does not compromise vehicle performance for the sake of fuel economy
and can be added to the current fuel distribution infrastructure without
requiring modifications in blending facilities, storage tanks and retail station
pumps. Isobutanol's compatibility with existing technology and infrastructures
is a significant step toward meeting the demand in renewable fuels for
transportation.
Another fuel-saving, engine-efficient feature of the MX-5 Spyder is a
lightweight lithium-ion racing battery made by Braille Battery. The lead-free
advanced battery system is RoHS compliant and constructed of non-hazardous
materials, has a high charge retention and offers a longer life cycle than
comparable standard batteries. A Racing Beat header, intake and exhaust muffler
as well as a MAZDASPEED coil over kit and Brembo brakes complete the vehicle's
mechanics.
The cabin area is accentuated by tanned Saddle black-leather seats with Aqua
leather accents and Coal Ash suede inserts. Subtle Spider Silk Gray
Metallic-colored trim pieces on the doors and dash panels tastefully adorn the
mostly black interior, which is finished off with customized floor mats by Star
West. A MAZDASPEED short-throw shifter adds a tasty reminder to the MX-5's
motorsports pedigree.
